Hydrogen Fuel Cell Locomotive Retrofit Project

Closed
Integrated.Travel Research and Development
Mission, Texas, United States
Vern Raincock
Director
(13)
4
Project
Academic experience
200 hours per learner
Learner
Anywhere
Advanced level

Project scope

Categories
Mechanical engineering Chemical engineering Electrical engineering Environmental sustainability Scientific research
Skills
net zero pilot experiment investments economy research
Details

The main goal for the project is to research the capital investment and running costs for H2 Fuel Cell powered locomotives, determine the economies of scale for fuel cell electric trains to hit the rails profitably, and develop a fuel cell electric train retrofit pilot project using a diesel-electric multiple unit train as a platform, leveraging existing equipment to re-purpose end-of-life assets for the proposed pilot project in Alberta leveraging Alberta's abundant hydrogen and fuel station facilities along Class 1 Right of Ways.

Deliverables


  • Review passenger and freight locomotive power options to determine a preferred SR / LR approach to Net-Zero emissions
  • Research and analysis of capital investment and running costs for H2 Fuel Cell powered locomotives vs alternative fuels and catenary electric solutions
  • Determination of economies of scale for fuel cell electric trains to hit the rails profitably.
  • Development of a fuel cell electric train retrofit pilot project using a diesel-electric multiple unit train as a platform, leveraging existing equipment to re-purpose end-of-life assets for pilot projects in Texas, Montana and Alberta.
Mentorship

Montana, Texas and Alberta rail transportation service providers are applying Hydrogen Fuel Cell technology to achieve net zero within the transportation sector.


The abundance of Hydrogen coupled with the head offices of BNSF in Ft Worth and CPKC in Calgary affords the best R&D collaboration locations in the world to conduct in the field testing.


Integrated.Travel will provide a mentorship team to fill in gaps, if necessary, on a weekly basis. Integrated Travel will reach out to industry and research contacts to offer the researchers access to current research and pilot projects.

Supported causes
Climate action

About the company

Company
Mission, Texas, United States
2 - 10 employees
Banking & finance, Construction, engineering & trades, Energy, Transport, trucking & railroad, Travel & tourism

“Rail for All” Approach

At Integrated Travel, our goal is to promote transportation equity for all individuals. Through our Integrated Travel approach, we strive to offer accessible and affordable transportation options, irrespective of income or background. By fostering connections between communities and promoting sustainability, we aim to create a future where transportation is fair and inclusive for everyone in Alberta.

We have a special focus on serving underserved communities, including indigenous and rural areas. Our dedication to transportation equity extends to these communities as well.

Our “Rail for All” Approach:

We advocate for a practical and equitable approach to addressing transportation and environmental challenges in Alberta through the implementation of Rail for All. Our focus is on utilizing new technologies on existing rail infrastructure, with the goal of promoting sustainability and responsible transportation.

Rail for All refers to the use of sustainable and cost-effective transportation methods that benefit the communities they serve. In the context of regional rail, this means retrofitting rolling stock and locomotives on existing infrastructure to increase efficiency and reduce environmental impact.

While high-speed rail may be exciting and receive media attention, it is not always the most responsible mode of transportation or investment. The construction and maintenance of high-speed rail lines can be extremely expensive, and the economic impacts may not always align with the needs of the communities they serve.

On the other hand, implementing Rail for All through the retrofitting of existing infrastructure is a more cost-effective and responsible option. It still provides a fast mode of transportation that can bring significant benefits to communities and the environment.

Integrated Travel is a not-for-profit organization that advocates for the needs of rail passengers, prioritizing regional concerns over provincial and international boundaries. To drive change, Integrated Travel collaborates with infrastructure and transportation as well as community stakeholders and supporters. stakeholders to strengthen relationships and bring economic, environmental, and equity benefits to all citizens of Alberta. We advocate for regional inter-municipality transportation network that provides seamless, door-to-door connectivity to everyone in the region. We are not a policy organization - we are a collection of professionals who beleive in building prosperity with equality.

Integrated Travel is looking to reestablish safe, reliable, and sustainable passenger rail service in the province. The goal is to increase opportunities and contribute to the health and well-being of people across Alberta.

Integrated Travel believes that a comprehensive passenger rail network, seamlessly connected to other modes of transportation, will yield significant benefits for the region's economy, environment, and more importantly, transportation equity.

Since 2019, Integrated Travel has been actively engaging, educating, and energizing the public, elected officials, businesses, and local leaders. This is accomplished through outreach efforts, Train Treks, presentations for legislators and communities, advocacy work, soliciting support resolutions and letters, publicity initiatives, coalition building, and event planning.

Integrated Travel is a not-for-profit organization that advocates for the needs of rail passengers in Alberta. We prioritize regional concerns and collaborate with infrastructure, transportation, and community stakeholders to bring economic, environmental, and equity benefits to the region. Our goal is to reestablish safe, reliable, and sustainable passenger rail service in the province, contributing to the well-being of people across Alberta. We believe that a comprehensive passenger rail network, connected to other modes of transportation, will have significant positive impacts on the region's economy, environment, and transportation equity. Since 2019, we have actively engaged the public, elected officials, businesses, and local leaders through various initiatives to raise awareness and support for our cause.